Shoreshim (Roots) Grades Pre-K – 1st Grade
Pre-K
Pre-K is the perfect introduction to our Noar Sunday program. In this class, students build community through play, different modalities, and learning about Jewish values. The year focuses on the theme “Our Jewish World” with learning centering around being Jewish in the synagogue, home, and family. Children explore holidays through hands-on, playful interactions, and start their study of Torah Stories at the beginning with the story of Creation and the Garden of Eden.
Kindergarten and First
Once children enter Kindergarten, they become part of the two-year, looping curriculum of our Shoreshim (roots) age groups. Over the years of Kindergarten and 1st grade, Noar children spend the year learning about the heroes and she-roes of our Jewish holidays and the many mitzvahs and traditions associated with each holiday. The Torah stories focus for this age group include the stories of Noah and Na’ama, the Tower of Babel, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebecca, and the values embedded within them. During Shoreshim, Kindergarten children focus on welcoming Shabbat through creating a Shabbat Box, and 1st graders learn the rituals of Havdalah which bring Shabbat to a close. Our hope is that the Shabbat Box and Havdalah Bag become keepsakes that are used at home week after week.
Chaverim (Friends) Grades 2-3
Our Chaverim (friends) students learn about the different cycles in Jewish life. They focus on how the Jewish calendar is impacted by the cycle of the moon and the connection to the Land of Israel. In addition, they learn about different life cycle events and practices that take place during our lifespan beginning at birth and continuing through all the ages and stages. The Chaverim years also present an opportunity for learning Torah Stories focused on Jacob, Esau, Rachel, Leah, Joseph and his brothers, Miriam and Moses, and the story of the Golden Calf.
Orim (Lights) Grades 4-5
Through exploring the customs and traditions of Jews around the world and our shared connection to Israel, our Orim (lights) students spend time learning about Jewish Peoplehood. Throughout their time in this eidah, they develop an understanding of the responsibility we have to one another. Their study is enriched with opportunities to connect to children in our Partnership Region in Israel. Students in Orim continue their Torah Stories journey with an exploration of the prophets focusing on the stories of Joshua, Deborah, David, and Ruth.
Zehut (Identity) Grade 6
Zehut rounds out the Noar experience. This eidah is devoted entirely to our 6th graders and their search for identity (zehut). As these students near B. Mitzvah, they are guided on a year that will help them develop and own their Jewish Story. As part of this process, they explore traditions linked to holidays to see what they may want to incorporate into future practice, learn about past and present antisemitism, and hear stories from others to learn how to tell their own story. Along the way, they interact with speakers and take field trips that immerse them in the process.
